I currently work at a nursery school and put in verbal notice on the 6th that I would be leaving at the end of December. (After how *weird* they’ve been handling this, I’m also going to put it in writing tomorrow. Should have done this from the beginning, I know.) So my last day is going to be the 28th.
Now, my principal demanded that I work through January, and I said no. She keeps pestering me that the company’s head English teacher hasn’t OK’d me quitting. (I’d like to point out that I gave the head teacher my final days and she did, literally, reply “OK”.) I’m on the verge of point-blank asking her “How do you plan to compel me to work in January?” or “What consequences will there be if I don’t come in?” to make it clear that I’m not working next month… but I also want to be very confident in the possible answers before asking that question.
My contract asks for 6 months notice before leaving, which is absurd and as far as I know, unenforceable. Assuming they don’t accept that I’m resigning after the 28th, what issues could they cause me? I’m staying in contact with a few other teachers in case they try and screw with my final checks, but that’s obviously something I’d take to a lawyer if they screw with it.
(I want to be clear that I *tried* to bow out gracefully for my mental health and because I don’t want to stick around long enough that they start having me perform duties that require a license, but as my principal continues to refuse to accept my resignation I’m getting more and more frustrated at this.)
15 comments
How long have you worked for them ? Are you an employee ?
If my memory serve me right : usual practice for employee for more than 1year is 2 weeks notice. Less than a year : follow your contract as long as it is not unreasonable (usually 1 month is seen as reasonable).
You should have directly given it in writing. Make sure you write in the writing version when you informed them and that you got an ok.
There is general union or/and labor office if you want more personalized help, including what they can try to pull and how easy/difficult to fix. Also if you have non employee contract and so
Good luck.
You can just leave. Anything they say is completely hot air. Just don’t expect a shining recommendation from them but given how they’ve acted in this I don’t think you’d get one of those anyway lol.
If it’s your second contract then you don’t need to give more than 14 days notice.
“From the second contract (and onward), 14 days of notice is sufficient regardless of what is written in the contract”
https://www.generalunion.org/laws-and-rights/1841-how-to-resign-with-template-letter
I would contact the general union if they try and thing. You aren’t defenseless.
I’d just stop showing up to work. What can they do? Fire you?
>My contract asks for 6 months notice before leaving, which is absurd and as far as I know, unenforceable.
100% unenforceable. Any prosecutor they try to hire to sue you would have a hard time trying not to laugh at them.
>Assuming they don’t accept that I’m resigning after the 28th, what issues could they cause me?
They can do absolutely nothing, you’ve done everything right besides waiting to put it into writing.
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If they keep giving you problems, turn it around on them and say that you don’t mind going to the labor office to let them know that your school isn’t letting you quit.
Their leverage they have on you is the pay. You tell them what you want and they pay it or you leave.
The only concern you might have is if they pay for or host your living arrangements, obviously you need to make sure you have a place to live, and maybe worry about them withholding your last pay check.
No such thing as 6 months notice. They’re just trying to bully you into backing down.
You signed a second contract. By law regardless of what is on your contract, a 2 week notice will suffice.
Legally as long as you give two weeks notice you’re fine. But I’d get it in writing to cover your back.
Say what’s on you’re mind. Articulate the reasons why you are not willing to be there. Give some real examples. Point out some areas that they need to improve on so this doesn’t happen to the next teacher in line. Make sure that you’re honest and cool headed during the meeting. Help them understand why you feel strongly about leaving and allow them to share their thoughts.
Resignations and terminations often happen when one or both parties have volatile emotions towards each other. Fear also plays a role, too. Clear communication leads to understanding.
Legally 2 weeks. they asked you to work until January, just refuse. Just remember you still have to get paperwork from them after leaving, so don’t burn the bridge to bad.
I’ve been in your position. I’ve quit eikaiwa and I’ve quit kindergarten.
Yes the biggest mistake you did was not putting it it in writing at first (my mistake as well in the beginning). As much as you want to be gentle, the best way to approach this (if you have a job waiting for you) is to be stern and strict. 2 weeks notice, you’re out. Make sure pay is discussed and if it could be paid after or on the day you quit (there are laws on this!!).
* Do not sign a NDA.
* You do not have to work next month.
* Make sure you get paid and discuss that.
* Other teachers might screw you over, don’t give them details.
* About your visa
* Get proof from your new employer and turn it in to immigration.
* You do not have to find another teacher for them, you do not have to do a 6 month thing. They are a business, they can function.
As soon as you start going down this path, you really have to be smart and be ready. It really is something I wouldn’t want to experience again.
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I wish you luck!!!
You can quit immediately if you please. There is no legal consequence. One month’s notice is simply a courtesy. Do you think companies will give you a month”s notice letting you go? Hell no.